Mike Mangold

Mike Mangold is dead after he was involved in an L-39 Albatros crash Sunday afternoon. Witnesses to the crash say that the aircraft was attempting to takeoff from Apple Valley Airport in Apple Valley, CA when it encountered an issue and crashed.

Apple Valley Fire and Police Department spokesman Jason Nailon said that as “the jet was taxiing down the runway, someone spotted flames coming out of the engine.”

A second person onboard at the time of the crash was also killed, but authorities have not released their name.

Mangold was famous for his airshow flying and for his time as a Red Bull Air Race pilot. During his flying career, which spanned 38 years, Mangold flew for the USAF as well as commercially and as an airshow pilot. He won the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2004, 2005 and 2007, and took home gold, silver, and bronze medals at the US National Aerobatic Championships.

He is survived by his wife and two children. AirshowStuff sends our sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends. Godspeed.

Connect with us!

Subscribe to AirshowStuff’s Weekly Recap

Please leave this field empty

Enter your email address to subscribe to the AirshowStuff Weekly Recap newsletter. You'll receive one e-mail a week with a list of our new posts for your reading enjoyment, plus occasional special news bulletins.

We keep your data private and share your data only with third parties that make this service possible. Read our Privacy Policy.

Advertise with AirshowStuff!

If you’re interested in reaching a large audience of people who love aviation, consider advertising with us. We offer web ads, sponsored content, social media support, and more! Contact us today to figure out what we can do together.